MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Municipalities; County Affairs

By: Senator(s) Posey, Burton, Chaney, Chassaniol, Clarke, Jackson (15th), Kirby, Lee (35th), Mettetal, Michel, Ross, White

Senate Bill 2744

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAY NOT PLACE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON EXISTING SHOOTING RANGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  A sport shooting range that is not in violation of a state law or an ordinance of a unit of local government prior to the enactment of a new ordinance of a unit of local government affecting the range may continue in operation even if, at or after the time of the enactment of the new ordinance, the operation of the sport shooting range is not in compliance with the new ordinance.

     (2)  No new ordinance of a local unit of government shall prohibit a sport shooting range that is in existence on the effective date of this section from doing any of the following within the existing geographic boundaries of the sport shooting range:

          (a)  Repair, remodel or reinforce any building or improvement as may be necessary in the interest of public safety or to secure the continued use of the building or improvement;

          (b)  Reconstruct, repair, rebuild or resume the use of a facility or building damaged by fire, collapse, explosion, act of nature or act of war occurring after the effective date of this section;

          (c)  Expand or enhance its membership or opportunities for public participation;

          (d)  Reasonably expand or increase facilities or activities.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.